Cyanobacteria-Based Carbon Capture and Storage

The rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a significant cause of climate change, contributing greatly to the greenhouse effect and global warming. This chapter discusses the severe problem of CO2 emissions, mainly from industries and buildings. Reducing our carbon footprint is essential to protect the environment and public health. The chapter explores various Carbon Capture, Storage, or Utilization (CCS/U) technologies, such as pre-, post-, and Oxyfuel combustion methods, highlighting the need for energy-efficient and cost-effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions. The chapter also covers different techniques for separating CO2, including adsorption, absorption, membrane separation, and cryogenic distillation. Each technique has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of economic and technical parameters. One promising technology is cyanobacteria-based CCU. This method uses cyanobacteria, extraordinary microorganisms that can capture and use CO2 through photosynthesis, turning it into high-value chemicals and sustainable energy. This approach has advantages like needing less space and being suitable for large-scale use in photobioreactors. Despite its challenges, this approach is a widely used, eco-friendly, and nature-inspired CCU technology that offers significant advantages over other methods. We can develop more sustainable and efficient carbon capture solutions by optimizing and integrating these biological systems. Reviewing traditional and new CCS technologies, this chapter highlights the potential of innovative methods like cyanobacteria-based carbon capture to tackle the urgent problem of CO2 emissions and support global efforts to fight climate change.